Minister assures labour body

LABOUR Minister Jone Usamate has reassured the International Labour Organization that Fiji is committed to the principles of decent and productive work — the hallmark of the ILO.

He met with ILO Director-General Guy Ryder in Geneva last Friday.

The meeting took place at the margins of the International Labour Conference where Fiji was represented by a tripartite delegation that included workers representative Daniel Urai and employers' representative Harvey Probert.

A Ministry of Information statement highlighted that the minister was pleased to note the historic protocol and recommendation on forced labour had been agreed during the conference.

"This was a major achievement and it will have a significant impact in addressing the plight of those who suffer from this scourge," Mr Usamate said.

Mr Ryder expressed his appreciation that work toward the September 17 election had progressed well and that discussions on the ILO Direct Contacts Mission to Fiji were progressing well.

The contacts mission of the ILO will be visiting Fiji shortly after the election in September.

The minister also informed Mr Ryder of the regional work that Fiji was doing in partnership with other Pacific countries.

The statement said Mr Ryder was pleased with the positive social dialogue in Fiji, and he hoped the direct contacts mission would achieve the desired outcomes for all parties.